Sign



,Aug 25, 1931.r E, BAER 1,820,008

SIGN

\ Filed Jan. 17. 1929 4 sheets-sheet 1 Aug. 25, 19111.l C, E. BAER 1,820,008

SIGN

Filed Jan. 17, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 LZ" ,zz 7.6 M M 77 m IIIIIIllIIIIIIIIHIIIIHIIIII s E mi MTA/E55 ,Lgf

Aug. 25, 1931.

c. E, BAER SIGN Filed Jan. 17, 1929, 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 lll Ill'illl..`

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H mm WMM n www Wl N555 lei Patented Aug. 25, 1931 UNITED 'STATES CHARLES E. Bann, or nnronrnlyrrnnnsrnynivrn sien Application filed January 17, 1929. Serial No. 333,109.

This invention relates to signs of the type capable of being used as place markers, direction indicators, street signs and for advertising purposes, and appertains more particularly to a novel means of forming the sign body itself and novel means of associating the sign body with a support.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide novel means for reinforc-` ing sheet metal signs to render the same more durable in use and at the saine time prevent increased cost of manufacture, the sign body having. its longitudinal edges turned at an angle of substantially 45 whereby to` prevent distortion of the sign under outside influence, the turned` edges of the sign forming means for permitting the securing of the sign in place without the necessity of puncturing the body portion of the sign for fastening elements and the like.

Another important object of the invention is the provision of a novel holder for the sign body for facilitating the placing of the sign on. various kinds of supports and to permit the sign to be readily removed from the holder when desired, the holder embodying la sheet metal bracket having attaching body portions and angular extending flanges for the reception of the turned edges Vof the sign body, whereby the sign body can be readily slipped on the holder or bracket.

l A further salient feature of the invention is .the provision of novel means for securing the holder and sign to live trees whereby the sign holder will not be destroyed by the diameter accretion of the trees.

A further object of the invention is the provision of novel means for forming an advertising sign of large dimensions and novel .means for attaching the sign in place so that the sign can be readily released and easily placed in position by a single worliman.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel sign and holder of the above character, which will be ldurable and efiicient Vin use, one that will be simple and easy to manufacture, and one which can ,be placed upon .thevmarlret at a reasonable cost.

Vithl these and other objects `in view, the

invention consists in thenovel constructions, arrangement and formation of parts, as will be hereinafter more specifically described, claimed, and illustratedV inthe accornpanyi-rigvy drawings, inwhich drawings Figure 1 is a front elevation of one of the signs constructed; in accordance with invention, the sign shown being of thel direb-` tonellhshwey type;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through the same taken on the line 2-1-2 of Fig'iir'e l, illustrating the novel lmeans employed for connecting the sign andholder toalive tree; l

Figure 3 isv a rear elevation of, the ini-y proved sign and holder; l' A A Figure t is an enlarged transverse section through the sign and holdertalien 'on the line is- 4 of Figure 2 looking' the direction of the arrows, illustratingV the norel. means for connecting vtheholder and sign to a live tree; Figure 5 is a detail perspectivvieyv of a novel holder illustrating the novell means employed kfor connecting the holder toH a live tree; 'A

Figure .6 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional View through the hold er and sign illustrating the means ifor connecting the sign. to the holder;

v Figure 7 is a top pla-n view of a sign and holder illustrating Vthemeans of cnnecting the holder to a round post; i

Figure 8 is a section throughv` the same taken on :the line 8 8 of liigurel 7 l Figuref is top plan View ofthe sign and holder illustrating the means of connecting the holder tov a'lsquareI post, `,the holder being partly broken yaway and in section andthe .postbeingvshown in horizontal Section; i ,A i. Figure 10 is a fragmentary top plan View of the sign illustrating the means of connecting the holder to a post ofU-shape'in cross section, the post being shown in horizontal section, and the holder partly lbroken away and'insec'tion; l v i vFigure 11 is a section through lthe same taken o n the line 11-11 ofFigure 10;

Figure 12 ,is an end elevation if en@ sf my improved signs illustrating the means of connecting the holder to a round post, such as pipe or the like;

Figure 13 is a horizontal section through the same taken on the line 13-13 of Figure 12 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 14 is a rear elevation of a sign and holder, the sign being of the place type and capable of being used as a street sign, a traflic sign, or for advertising purposes;

Figure 15 is a horizontal section through the same taken on the line 15-15 of Figure 14 illustrating the means of connecting' this type of sign to a live tree; i

Figure 16 is a transverse section throug the same taken on the line 16-16 of Figure 14 looking in the vdirection of the arrows and illustrating the means of connecting this type of sign to a live tree;

Figure 17 is a rear elevation of another form of my sign illustrating the means of adapting a wooden sign for my improved holder;

Figure 18 is a perspectiveY view of the same;

' Figure 19 is an end elevation of a modilied form of sign showing the same connected to the holder;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the attachment for engaging the holder used on wooden signs; Y

Figure 21 is a rear elevation of a further modified form of my sign, of a relatively large type illustrating the use vof a split holder therefor;

Figure 22 is a vertical section taken on the line 22-22 of Figure 21 looking in the direction of the arrows:

Figure 23 is a horizontal section taken on the line 23-23 of' VFigure 21 looking direction of the arrows;

Figure 24 is a side elevation of the sign of a still further modified type illustrating the means of connecting a wooden signboard with a split type of holder;

Figure 25 is a horizontal section taken on the line 257-25 of Figure 24;

Figure 26 is a rear elevation of the; attachement of a wooden sign for engaging the companion portion of asplit holder;

Figure 27 is a side elevation of one portion of the split holder Figure 28 is a rear elevation of another form of my sign illustrating the means of connecting disc-shaped place signs with my split holder; Y

Figure 29 is a side elevation of the same;

Figure 30 is a rear elevation of the sign of a circular type removed from the holder and support; Y

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the letter A generally indicates one of my improved signs and B my novel holder therefor.

The sign A has been particularly designed to designate names of roads and trails and the distance to the neXt road, trail or place, and can be used along township roads and state highways to give name and distance of next town or place. It can also be used for advertising hotels, garages, stores and the like.: As shown, the sign A is formed of sheet metal 'of the desired gage and is of arrow shape and includes a body portion 40 having a front pointed end 41 and a rear notched end 42. In accordance with this invention, the longitudinal edges of the body 40 are turned inwardly and rearwardly at substantially an angle of 45O to provide flanges 43. The turned edges of the sign largely prevent the bending of the sign, which straight edged signs are subjectv to from wind, snow, ice, animals or man, and the provision of these flanges form an important feature of my invention. 'Ihe longitudinal flanges 43 can be bored or perforated as at 44 for a purpose, which will be later described.

The holder B also forms a vital part of the invention and includes an attaching body portion of suitable shape and size with forwardly extending oppositely flanges 46. This holder can also be made of sheet metal and is preferably bored or otherwise perforated to provide three rows of openings 47.

In Figures 1 to 6 inclusive I have illustrated my novel means for connecting the sign A and holder B to live trees and this means consists in the employment of nails 48, 49 and 50. The nail 48 can be initially driven into the tree through one of the center openings with the head thereof projecting the desired distance from the body portion 45 of the holder, after which coil springs lfare placed about the nails 49 and 50. The nails 49 and 50 are now driven through the openings at opposite sides of the center opening and into the tree with the heads thereof spaced the desired distance from the body of the holder. By this arrangement tlie holder is rigidly yet resiliently secured to the live tree and after the holder is secured in place' the sign A is slipped over the holder, the flanges 43 thereof engaging the flangesy 46 of the holder. The flanges 46 can be provided with suitable openings 52 and bolts or screws 53 can be threaded through thefregistering openings 44 and 52 to hold the sign against accidental displacement from the holder.

Arrow signs are now fastened on trees by means of nails driven through the face of the sign. These nails spoil the appearance of the face of the sign and when the nails rust, the sign is 'stained from the vrust runangled 1 ning down over it. As the tree, to which the 1i' sign isnailed, grows. in diameter, the nail heads--are-pulled through'thewood, (in the caseof a wood sign) or. through themetal (in the case of a metal sign) and in the course of a couple-ofy years the sign is unsi'htlyand damaged so that it cannot be used again. 'After a period of' a year after a sign has been nailed to a tree, it cannot be taken downwithout damaging the sign because the nail heads are drawn into the face of the sign. Inv this manner., thousands of dollars are lost yearly in signs so destroyed. The improved sign will allow for the growth of a treelfrom sixl to eight years. If the sign is left on a tree-longer than this, it will not be destroyed, but instead only the holder B will be damaged; It is estimated' that the best sign paints will not last out in the weather longer than about siX years. This bein@ the case, the improved sign Will last until'it needs repainting. The sign can thenbe talen downandrepainted andput up again in view ofthe connection of the sign A with the holder B. Therefore, the signl with proper care will last for many years, whereas similar signs which I am familiar with will.` only'last two or three A great saving is brought about in labor in the erectionof the` improved sign.

In remote sections, probably but a couple of signs can be put up 1n a dayon account of the distance necessary to travel; If this sign will last from siX to eighty years, it is a saving, in the erection of the sign, considering that signs now used last but from two to three years. About live wooden signs of this size are alll a man can carry through the woods in putting-the same in place. But about ten of these metalfsignscan be carried easily through the woods.

The coil springs 51 keep the sign in place at all times. As the tree grows, itf increases in diameterv and-the holder B (with sign attached) is shoved out toward the heads of the nails. Vithout these-springs, the sign would get out of position and spoil the appearance of the signas well as the usefulness to the public. inthe difficulty it would cause in order to read what was on the sign. The springs .51 are an added protection to the sign, since when anobject 1s thrownfagainst the sign, it will giveandfnot be damaged to the extentV thaty a sign` fastened tightly would be. v

In Figures 7- and 8 I have illustrated the method of securing the sign A and holder B to a round wooden post C and in this instance nails 54.- can be drivenin a vertical row through the holder BA into the post C after which the sign A can be slipped over the holder and thelscrews 53 placed in position. Thenails 54; inthis instance can be driven into the post C until the heads thereofengage the-holder B;

In Figure 9 Ihaveillustrated the method ofy securing the sign A` andholder., B'toa. square ypost D, such. as a 4 XA 4, and inLthi's.L instance nails 55 can be inserted throughi the horizontal row of'holes into thepostD; until the heads thereof engage the holderB.

after which the sign A` can be-slipped into-i position.

In Figures 10'and 11 I have illustrated the method of securingthe sign A and holder B to an angle iron or lchannel iron post E andk in this instance holes 56 can be boredin the iron post E and bolts 57 placed therethrough. and through the openings in the holder Bi after which the sign A can be slipped into position.

In Figures 12 and 13 I have illustrated the method of securing the sign A and holder B to an iron post F of circular shape in cross section and 'in this instance Il cany employ open metal bands 58for-gripping4 the post, the ends of the bands being secured: together by bolts 59. In this forni the bands 58 can be secured to the holder B by boltsv 60 after which the bands can be secured around the post F. After the holder has been placed in the proper position, the sign A can then be slipped on the holder and secured in place by the screws 53.

In Figures 14 to 16 inclusive I have shownl a modified form of my sign which is particularly adapted for use in parks to designate the names of trees in order to assist people in learning to identify trees. This type of sign can also be used for legends on memorial trees and can also be used for advertisinff purposes. This sign is generally indicated by the reference character G and can be associated with a holder I-I of substan-v tially the same type as the holder B. The sign G in this particular instance is also made of sheetinetal and is of a polygonal form and has the longitudinal edges thereof turned to provide the reinforcing and at` taching flanges 6l which extend substantially at an angle of 450 to the face of .the sign, y

The holder H, as stated, is of substantially the same type as the holder B and can be made of a more elongated form, if desired, as shown in Figures 14.- and 15. The holder H includes the attaching body portion 62 and the oppositelly extending angled receiving flanges 63, wiich can be provided with threaded openings. The body portion 62. of the holder canbe provided with spaced vertical rows of nail receiving openings 64e This sign is also adapted to be fastened to a tree in such a manner as not to be destroyed by the increasing diameter of the tree as the saine grows and a nail 65 can be inserted through one of they center openingsof the rows of openings 64 and driven into the trunk of the head with the head of the nail in spaced relation to the holder ITI, a coil spring 66 being placed on the nail prior to the driving of the saine into the tree so that the spring will be confined between the holder and the head of the nail. A second nail 67 can now be inserted through one of the other openings of the rows of openings 64 and driven part way into the tree so as toprevent turning movement of the holder. After the holder H has been secured in position, the sign G can be slipped on the holder with the flanges 61 Vthereof engaging the flanges 63, and suitable screws 68 can be inserted in the openings formed in the flanges 61 and in the flanges 63.

This type of holder and the means for fastening the holder to the tree will function in the same manner as the holder described in Figures 1 to 6 inclusive.

In Figures 17 to 20 inclusive I have illustrated the method of using a wooden direction arrow sign I in accordance with my invention. The wooden arrow sign I can be of any desired size and has secured to the rear face thereof an attaching bracket 70 which can be made' of sheet metal. This attaching bracket 70 includes an attaching body portion 71 provided with suitable rows of openings 72 through which can be inserted fastening elements 73 and into the wooden arrow. The body portion 71 of Vthe bracket 70 is provided with turned angular flanges 74 on its longitudinal edges, which flanges extend at an angle of substantially 45O to the body portion of the bracket. The bracket is adapted to engage a holder .I which can be of substantially the same type as the holders B and H, and as shown the holder J includes a body portion 75 having angular flanges 76 formed on its longitudinal edges. The body portion 75 of the holder J can be secured in place to a tree or post by any of the means illustrated in Figures 1 to 16 inclusive, it being understood that after the holder J is secured in place, that the bracket 70 is slipped over the flanges 76 of the holder, after which the screws 77 can be placed through registering openings formed in the flanges 74 of the bracket and the flanges v7 6 of the holder J. p

By this arrangement a wooden arrow sign can be used, giving acheaper construction and having some of the advantages of my improved sign.

In Figures 21 to 27 inclusive I have shown a still further modified form of my sign which can be of a larger type than the arrow sign and of a larger type than the tree and street indicating signs shown in Figures 14 and 15. Y

The sign is generally indicated by the letter K and can be. constructed of sheet metal as shown in Figures 21 to 23 inclusive and includes the body plate portion 80 having 'the longitudinal and vertical edges thereof turned back at an angle to provide top and bottom reinforcing attaching f1. nges 81 and side reinforcing flanges 82. It is to be noted that the ends of the flanges 81 and 82 are spaced, for a purpose which will be later described.

In this form of my sign I use a modified type of holder generally indicated by the lei ter L andthis holder is of the split type and includes spaced vattaching plates 83 and 84. These attaching plates 83 and 84 can be made of sheet metal of the desired gage and are provided with horizontal lines of bolt'openings 85 for the reception of attaching bolts 86 whereby the same can be secured to a suitable supporting post 87 or other type of support. The outer edges of the plates 83 and 84 are provided with oppositely directed angularly extending flanges 88 and after the holder is secured in position 0n the post 87 or other support, the sign K is slipped over the flanges 88 as in the other forms of theV sign, and after the same is in position suitable screws 89 can be inserted through registering threaded openings formed in the flanges 81 andthe flanges 88.

In Figures 24 to 27 inclusive I have shown the means'for utilizing a wooden signboard 90 and in this instance the rear face of the signboard is provided with upper and lower attaching brackets 91 and 92 which are secured to the signboard in any desired way. The outer edges of the brackets 91 and 92 are provided with inwardly directed flanges 93 which are adapted to be slipped over the split holder L. j

It is obvious that lthe split holder L can be readily secured to other types of vsupports than the polygonal post as vshown and in Figures 23 and 25 I have shown two different ways of attaching thevholder in place.

In Figures 28 to 30 inclusive I have illustrated the method of attaching a disc-shaped sign, such as a stop sign, to a post and in these figures the reference letter M generally indicates the sign, which can be made of sheet metal of the desired gage. rear face of the sheet metal sign M can be spot welded or otherwise secured upper and lower brackets 95 and 96 which can be substantially the same type as the brackets 91 and 92 shown in Figures 24 and 25. These brackets also includebody portions 97 and angular inwardly flared turned flanges 98 for engaging the split holder and which can be of the same type or of a type similar to the split holder L. The holder N includes the upper and lower attaching plates 99 and 100 which can be bolted or otherwise secured as at 101 to a supporting post 0r the like 102. These attaching plates 99 and 100 include the oppositely extending angular attaching flanges 103 formed on the outer edges of the plates, and after the split holder N has been secured to the post, the sign can be slipped over the said flanges. This construction provides means of providing a To the cheap, stout sign and the same can be readily and quickly removed from the holder to be refini'shed when necessary.

rIfhe sign itself can be made of boards or the like if preferred and is indicated by the reference letter P and has secured to its rear face corner attaching plates 109, which also have formed on their outer upper and lower edges angularly extending flanges 110. These flanges extend at an angle of substantially 45 to the sign, and after the holder O has been secured to the posts 105 and 106, the sign can be readily slipped into position.

In Figures 35 to 38 inclusive I have shown a framework for supporting the large signs and this frame is generally indicated by the reference character Q, and includes supporting posts or uprights 111 which have secured thereto upper and lower cross. bars 112. These cross bars support the holder which ,is generally indicated by the reference character R. The holder R is of the split type and includes four corner attaching plates 113 having flanges 114 formed on their upper edges. These flanges 114 extend at an angle of substantially 45 to the attaching plates and are flared outwardly instead of inwardly as are the flanges 108.

The sign in these figures can also be made of boards and has secured to its rear face attaching plates 115, which plates have formed on their upper edges inwardly directed flanges 116. After the holder R has been secured to the cross bars 112, the sign can be readily placed in position.

In large signs of this type my improved construction is a cheaper and better sign and the same can be readily taken down for repainting without wrecking the same. By building large signs in this manner, any sign that one man can lift can be readily erected by him without outside assistance.

In all instances, the attaching brackets carried by the sign can be connected to the flanges of the split holders by means of suitable screws or other fastening elements.

Changes in details may be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of this invention, but:

What I claim as new is:

1. The combination with a sign, of a holder, means detachably securing the sign to the holder, fastening elements extending through the holder and into a tree, and expansion members fitted about said fastening elements intermediate to the heads thereof and the holder for allowing movement of the holder relative to the tree to compensate for the growth of the tree.

2. The combination with a sign, a holder for the sign detachably connected therewith, fastening elements slidably extending through the holder and into a tree, and expansion coil springs placed about the fastening elements and confined between the holder and the heads of the fastening elements to allow movement of the holder relative to the tree incident to the growth thereof.

3. The combination with a sign, of a holder detachably connected with the rear face thereof and being of substantially U- shape in cross section whereby the body portion of the holder is offset from said sign, the body portion being provided with a plurality of openings, fastening elements slidably extending through certain of the openings for insertion into a tree, and expansion springs coiled about certain of the fastening elements confined between the holder and the heads of the fastening elements for permitting movement of the holder relative to the tree incident to the growth thereof.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

CHARLES E. BAER. 

